About three weeks ago, I mentioned that I had decided to buy some Yoga DVDs. Well, I've had them for awhile now and am ready to share my thoughts.
What I bought:
I started with an order for three Ana Brett & Ravi Singh DVDs. Specifically: Ultimate Stretch Yoga Workout, Yoga Beauty Body, & Warrior Workout. Ultimate Stretch was backordered, so I ended up adding Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond to my collection as well. I've liked most of these well enough to order another one (Dance the Chakras) off ebay but I haven't received it yet.
General comments:
- I was initially surprised by the combination of flexibility, strength, and cardio contained within these workouts. It's more challenging that I imagined.
- I chose to use these as my six-pack challenge work. There is definately a lot of core included. I'm doing better with the ab stuff as I continue working on it.
- This is way different from the Yoga I have done before.
- These DVDs are really aimed at women. I have a hard time imagining that a man would enjoy these specific ones, but I could be wrong.
What I like:
- These have the "Matrix" option which allows you to customize your workout from a menu of the various components, or you can just run it start to finish.
- I find this yoga style to be engaging and fun, not boring.
- Something about yoga is also relaxing. I feel positive and upbeat afterwards.
- I enjoy the music track on most of theses DVDs.
- The instructions are fairly clear and they give modifications for many poses.
What I don't like:
- Ana needs to wear more clothes. Seriously. Most of the time I have my eyes closed while I do this, so it doesn't bother me as much as it did at first.
- The "tune in" and "mediation" sections are too new age for me, but I use the Matrix options and have been skipping these sections all together
- Ravi makes some health claims that see outrageous to me. I choose to ignore much of that.
Comments Specific to each DVD:
- Yoga Beauty Body - My favorite of the bunch. Includes "the magnificent seven". I like both yoga sets on this one. I'm guessing that I choose this one every other time that I do yoga.
- Beginners & Beyond - I've been going straight to yoga set 2 (Five Tibetan Rites) after the warm-up. Good stuff. Set one is just so-so.
- Warrior Workout - Super challenging. Even the warm-up is challenging! I haven't made it to the 2nd yoga set on this one yet. I'm going to have to work up to this one.
- Ultimate Stretch - My least favorite. Can't put my finger on it, but this one just doesn't do it for me. Might give this one away at some point; maybe someone else will enjoy it.
Overall, I'm glad I spent the money on these. I've been doing them at least 3 times a week, look forward to doing them, and feel that I'm seeing results.
Glad to hear you are enjoying your yoga videos. I really have to get better about encorporating yoga into my weekly routing. It just makes my recovery from my runs, especially longer runs, so much better!
ReplyDeleteNice review. That is great that you have been able to add yoga to the mix and enjoy it. Well done, GQ.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review! I love hearing about what other people are doing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews. Keep it up! I hope to get back into yoga.
ReplyDeletei need to be more consistent with yoga too... i seem to do this in spurts. Glad you're enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. Sounds like you've found a style you like.
ReplyDeleteGreat reviews. I need to get into yoga again.
ReplyDeleteI'm really impressed by how thorough your review of these is...very inspiring for anyone wanting to try something new.
ReplyDeleteexcellent reviews! I'm still trying to find the yoga style that works for me
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your overall impression of them is good!
ReplyDeleteGood stuff! As soon as I'm done with P90X, I want to broaden my yoga DVD collection.
ReplyDeleteGood job on the yoga. I used to do pilates and need to start again. I didn't realize how "in shape" I was until I taught a pilates class after taking 3 months off. :D
ReplyDeleteSo far so good it seems :-)
ReplyDeleteI could stand to be more bendy but I don't think I'll be taking up Yoga any time soon.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny-- the main reason I hadn't tried these DVDs is because something about the (lack of) clothing Ana Brett wears in the print ads I've seen turned me off! Your review makes me think maybe I should give her a chance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews. I have thought about adding some yoga since I am flexibly challenge.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviewing the DVDs. I may have to check out Yoga Beauty Body. It sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI really wish I'd like yoga and pilates and things like that. But I really can't do it. Seems relaxing and all but my mind is always racing!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I've been thinking about getting some yoga DVDs to incorporate into my running training. I love how yoga makes me feel! Based on the lack of clothing I've been hearing about, maybe my husband will want to join me! Just kidding! :) Thanks for the information!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great review! I'm so glad you are enjoying the DVD's.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to do this! Indeed, I think doing yoga at home with DVDs is probably going to be the only way I'll do it. Attending a class at my Y is never gonna happen ...
ReplyDeleteFirst comment: great new picture! Second about yoga: it definitely is something that grows on you. I prefer the ones with stretches rather than strength poses because I find them difficult and boring and I already do strength, so I seem to be overdoing it. My gym is adding a Friday class which I will check out. I think with the DVDs though you probably have a better choice of what you do. Thanks for the info.
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